During 2017, almost 38,900 refugees were submitted by UNHCR for resettlement1 to 25 countries in Europe,2 36% more than during 2016 and over three times greater than the average rate of 12,400 submissions per year during the last decade.
Between 2007 and 2016, Europe’s proportion of resettlement sub-missions globally has increased from approximately 9% to more than 18%, and in 2017 reached 52%. This is primarily due to a significant decrease globally in new submissions for resettlement, most notably to the United States of America.

There is no day that goes past without the impact of an improvised explosive device (IED) making headlines around the world. Of all explosive weapons used, the IED is the most widespread, the most harmful and the most pernicious. Based on the belief that to overcome a problem, we must first understand it, this monitor is a small step in seeking to address the terrible realities of today.
It is a monitor that is, also, a response to a call to action.

Over the reporting period (31 March –6 April) countries of first arrival (Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria) saw an average decrease of 33% in numbers of arrivals compared with the previous week. In particular, Italy saw a 59% decrease compared to previous week.

The total number of migrants and refugees stranded in Greece and in the Western Balkans is 57,812. For a more detailed look, please see the accommodation pages of Greece, fYROM, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.

The total number of migrants and refugees stranded in Greece and in the Western Balkans is 56,578. For a more detailed look, please see the accommodation pages of Greece, fYROM, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia.

On 18 March , EU leaders met with their Turkish counterpart, Prime Minister of Turkey Ahmed Davutoğlu. They reached an agreement aimed at stopping the flow of irregular migration via Turkey to Europe. The main action points of the agreement are available, please see page 9.

Violent conflicts, terrorism, long-standing repressive regimes, chronic poverty and inequality have driven an unprecedented number of refugees and migrants to Europe. Those making the journey are assisted by an increasingly violent and opportunistic smuggling industry. Sustainable profits made by this industry have allowed transnational networks to develop where they previously did not exist, with serious implications for human security and state stability.

Next week, Mozambique, formerly one of the world’s most heavily mined countries, will formally declare it has completed mine clearance on its territory, the 29th country to do so since the 1990s. This leaves 60 countries and territories still contaminated according to Clearing the Mines, a review of mine action programmes around the world published today by Norwegian People’s Aid. The report’s authors have calculated that by 2020 another 20 countries should have completed mine clearance and the urgent humanitarian threat removed from the other 40.

Switzerland - IOM has released an update to its June 2015 response plan “Addressing Complex Migration Flows in the Mediterranean.” It includes a series of proposed interventions to be implemented through December 2016, some of which are already underway, others are still at the planning stage.

Balkans: On 13 May, cyclone Tamara hit the Balkans. Heavy rainfall resulted in extensive flooding in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia; 1.6 million, 1.5 million, and 38,000 people have been affected, respectively. In total, 81,879 people have been evacuated. Relief efforts are being hampered by landslides, damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and blackouts.

United Nations appeals for $498 million
to address the challenge in 29 countries

GENEVA - Mine action initiatives in
29 countries, territories or peacekeeping missions will cost $498 million
in 2011, according to the 14th edition of the annual Portfolio of Mine
Action Projects, released today by the United Nations in Geneva.

The portfolio is an annual snapshot of
the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war in countries or territories
with mine action programmes.

On 1 March 2009, the Mine Ban Treaty
celebrated the tenth anniversary of its entry into force as international
law. The treaty bans all Anti Personnel mines, requires that States destroy
stockpiles within four years of becoming a party, requires clearance of
Anti Personnel mines already in the ground within 10 years, and urges support
to the victims of mines.

By Stuart Maslen, NPA

The treaty has proved a major success
in stigmatising Anti Personnel mines.

The present report examines the challenges
faced by the United Nations and its partners in providing professional
mediation assistance to parties in conflict. It describes the need for
experienced and knowledgeable mediators and support teams, with women adequately
represented, and sufficient resources to provide assistance at an early
stage to help parties design and pursue processes that will address the
root causes of their conflicts, overcome obstacles that block progress,
and achieve agreements that lead to sustainable peace.

The Portfolio of Mine Action Projects
2009 provides a snapshot of the problems of landmines and explosive remnants
of war (ERW) in 33 countries, territories and peacekeeping missions, and
describes the strategies for eliminating each of these threats.

This 12th edition of the annual portfolio
is a collection of mine action project proposals that reflect a strategic
response by field-based partners to the landmine and ERW problems in specific
countries or territories.